1994 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Only one of 1,528 units produced for the United States Created in close cooperation and hand built by Porsche Two-owner vehicle California car Mercedes M119 5.0L V-8 (326 hp) Four-speed automatic transmission Newer Rosewood Metallic exterior Tan interior with four leather Recaro heated bucket seats Dual front airbags Sunroof Power steering and 4-piston caliper four-wheel power disc brakes New tires Six-speaker Alpine AM/FM stereo with CD player Dealer-installed six-disc CD changer Two Zapco 100-watt amplifiers

MotoreXotica is pleased to offer a high-performance “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing,” a 1994 Mercedes-Benz E500. With its aggressive stance: 1.5 inches wider track, 0.9 inch lower profile, flared fenders, side skirts, front air-dam and wide tires, the E500 is easily distinguished from its lesser brethren. Because of its look, limited numbers, hand-built construction and unique pedigree, the E500 is already considered a “classic,” even within Mercedes-Benz. Before coming to the Midwest, this car spent its existence as a California car.

This example was one of only 1,528 units produced for the United States. Its newer Rosewood Metallic paint is in very good condition. The glass is all present and the lights are all in good condition. Hood, fenders, doors and roof are in good shape. Lower body cladding is slightly faded, the passenger outside mirror needs minor attention and the back bumper shows some blemishing.

Under the hood is a Mercedes M119 5.0-liter V-8 generating 326 horsepower and hooked to a four-speed automatic transmission. Car has power steering and power 4-piston caliper four-wheel disc brakes and is shod with new Yokohama YK580 225/55R16 tires with stock Mercedes-Benz chrome wheels within. It also comes with full-sized spare tire.

Inside, the four Tan leather Recaro bucket seats are in good shape, as is the carpet. There are minor headliner and upholstery issues, as to be expected with a 22-year-old vehicle. The steering wheel is in fine condition, as is the dashboard. All instruments are present and work except for the odometer and the turn signals work erratically. The car is equipped with dual front airbags and a sunroof. An aftermarket six-speaker Alpine AM/FM stereo with CD player supplies the audio, along with a dealer-installed six-CD changer and two Zapco 100-watt amplifiers in the trunk. A tire jack occupies the driver’s side of the trunk.

The E500 is the result of a rare “intramural” collaboration between two of Germany’s well-known manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. In a short review posted in February 2015, Road & Track described the partnership.

After Porsche’s 959 assembly line went quiet following the final run of cars in 1989, company finances were tight and newer model Porsches sold slowly. Conversely, Mercedes-Benz found its R&D department overly busy with multiple product launches. Porsche noticed the “embarrassment of riches” as it were and a proposition was born.

Even though Mercedes had final authority on the project, it was Porsche’s contributions that gave the E500 its charm. Cars departed M-B to arrive at Rössle Bau, where Porsche worked its magic on the body and suspension to permit 16-inch alloy wheels on then-wide tires, added the 5.0L V-8 engine and a reinforced rear suspension. After these steps, the cars returned to M-B for paintwork before being shuttled to Zuffenhausen for final assembly. It took 18 days to complete each model. Zero to 60 came in about six seconds and the quarter-mile came in the mid-14s; quick for the time for a large executive sedan. Delimited copies allegedly touched 170 mph.

Called ‘500E’ through model year 1993, for model year 1994 it was face-lifted along with the rest of the range and renamed ‘E500’. The 1994 E500 is easily identified by its updated headlights, grille and trunk lid, plus the bumper scuff bars, which were painted body color.

In the U.S., the E500 came fully equipped, with the only options available were a dealer-installed CD changer and an integrated cellular telephone. The E500 also came with four leather Recaro seats (the front ones are heated).

Examples of competitors to this car in 1994 included the BMW M5, AMG E60 and the Maserati Quattroporte 2.8

Current mileage on the odometer shows 164,324 actual miles. It is sold as is and on a clear California title.

VIN: WDBEA36E7RC145487

If you’ve been seeking a true executive sport sedan that looks like a sleeper for a second or third car, this might be the one for you. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!

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